David Norris (Independent)

I support the call by Senator Brian Hayes for a debate on the dispute involving the former school attendance officers. I understand approximately 40 are involved and they are anxious to work. However, they need to be recognised as education welfare officers. This is crucially important because, as was said in the debate to which Senator O'Toole referred, children, particularly in deprived areas, who slip through the net once are often gone for good if they are not caught quickly. Moneys raised by the CAB should be returned to these areas to fund the Breaking the Cycle scheme up to university level.

Despite the protests outside the Oireachtas yesterday, I support the Minister for Education and Science in re-examining the question of third level fees. Funding should be channelled directly to those in need of grants and there should be means testing of fees to help those who most need this education. The current system provides a nice cushion for the middle classes, which was not the intention.

I ask the Leader to note that, as I understand it, all Members received a letter in the form of a circular from Jive Ace Productions. The Church of Scientology is at it again. We should give consideration to this matter because, even though the leaflet makes no reference to scientology, it suggests its involvement in anti-drugs campaigns, etc. It is sinister that the Church of Scientology can conceal its identity in this way.